ALL NATURAL DOG EAR CLEANER

COCONUT,  LAVENDER, & TEA TREE OILS TO CLEAN YOUR DOG'S EARS

I don't know about you, but my dog's ears can get purty STANKY from time to time. I used to use some "secret" concoction I paid a fortune for from their vet's office, to clean them. That is, until I started seriously changing ALL of our lives using Coconut Oil & Essential Oils.

I have done so much in the last month or two to go around the house & REALLY look at what we are putting on & IN our bodies, my dogs included!

I did a lot of research on looking into healthier, more natural, ways to keep my dogs well. And before I put ANYTHING into my furry babies ears specifically, I Googled my brains out, of that you can be sure!

I found a lot of information, some of which I didn't agree with, and some, I thought made a lot of sense.

So...Here is the recipe for their all natural ear cleaner/maintenance oil. And links to information as to how I came to my decisions to use what I did.
(just click on the ingredient itself to get more information about each one)

INGREDIENTS
1 Tbls Organic, Extra Virgin, Unrefined Coconut Oil
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
4 drops Tea Tree Oil  
(the last link  for Tea Tree Oil, will take you to a page that has A LOT of information on using essential oils for pets)

(

Melt the Coconut Oil in a small bowl. I use a pan to heat water & put it in the pan. DO NOT microwave (click here to find out why)



Wait for melted oil to cool down to ROOM TEMPERATURE, then add your essential oils.


The reasons I used the two I did are because it was a very basic recipe I was after. I like simple & affective. I don't need bells and whistles! I thought the antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, etc., properties of all three ingredients would be awesome. If you have other oils you know to work well for your pet, certainly you can add them. BUT always research & RE research your choices! Some oils are toxic to animals. They are NOT like humans. DO NOT assume if it works for you, it would be fine for them! That is NOT NOT NOT the case. Also, my Beagle/Rottie mix is extremely sensitive to EVERYTHING, so that's why I only did 4 drops of Tea Tree, as it can irritate & burn sensitive people/dogs.


I can tell you too, this was the first ear cleaner I've ever used on both dogs & they didn't flip out! They seemed to enjoy its slight warmth, and when I was massaging it in, they looked like they were REALLY relaxing. The Lavender works great for that as well, relaxing an anxiety filled dog. Rub some straight from the bottle, into your hand, warming it a bit, then massage the ear flaps, or paws or right under the ears....Taking care, AGAIN, to make sure it is not irritating to your dog in full strength. Mine are SOUND asleep right now after their ear cleaning/coconut oil on the fur & belly, massage of the day. :)
 

I used (about 1ml) in each of my larger (50 lbs) dog's ears, and half of that in my smaller (15 lbs) dog's.
Then, just keep the leftovers in an amber bottle with a dropper top.
I only make this small of a recipe because I like to know its strength & potency.

When using the remaining oil, for their next cleaning, simply boil the water in the pan again, take off the heat, allow to cool slightly, then put the bottle in the water to warm it back up. (Coconut oil will solidify at any temperature under 76 degrees). Taking care again to make sure it is only SLIGHTLY warm when you put it in your dog's ears. Just warm enough to be liquid. Always be careful of what you put into your dog’s ear. The ear is a very tender and delicate organ that is sensitive to chemicals and temperature. Do not use anything too cold or too hot in your dog’s ears.

This is safe enough to use whenever you feel your dog's ears need a cleaning, but I am just going to do it at the first of each month. With warmer weather coming, it is wise to keep their ears as bacteria free as possible, so no mites, or other unwanted "critters" take up residence there.

***I forgot to mention!! You can also use this on a cotton ball to gently wipe the ear itself, not just dropper it down in...as always, be gentle***


And that's it. Doggies with clean, purty smellin' ears. :)

Let me know if you try this & what you think about it!

Morning Sunshine Breakfast Drink

A BREAKFAST DRINK TO REALLY START YOUR DAY RIGHT

Ingredients

1 Coffee Mug full of warm water
1/2  of an Organic Lemon
1Tbls Coconut Oil (Organic, Extra Virgin, Unrefined)
1Tbls Organic Honey

Mix all of this in a big 'ole coffee mug & enjoy! I recommend boiling the water in a teapot first, then adding all the ingredients after you put the warm water in a mug. Microwaving it just seems...wrong...lol

 ~ ~You can absolutely change around quantities of ingredients to fit your own taste too. Nothing is written in stone here...I just like it to have a good KICK in the morning.


After Oil Pulling  I started to feel like my regular cup of coffee in the morning tasted funny & that I was just putting GUNK right back in my mouth. So I decided to do some research & find an alternative for what I drink directly after pulling...Here are a few reasons why I choose this recipe....

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that you make regarding your daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down.

Ayurveda invites us to get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature's rhythms, balance the doshas and foster self-esteem alongside self-discipline. 

Your mind may say you have to check emails, take the dog out, get the kids out the door, that you can't be late for work or that you just don't have enough time to cultivate your own morning rituals.

But, if you can only make time for one ritual that will improve your health, let it be this.....

Start the day out with a mug of warm "sunshine"

It's so simple and the benefits are just too good to ignore.

Warm water & lemon in the morning helps to;

1. Boosts your immune system 

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.

4. Aids digestion

The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen toxins, in the digestive tract.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration (obviously) and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration!

Benefits of adding Honey are;

Hot water mixed with lemon juice and honey may provide temporary relief from some cold and flu symptoms. Hot water, lemon juice and honey may be taken as often as necessary to reduce symptoms. If symptoms continue for more than a week, consult a doctor for additional treatment.

Sore Throat

Hot water with honey and lemon juice added to it may help reduce the soreness and irritation of a sore throat. Lemon cuts mucus in the back of the throat that may cause soreness, while honey coats the throat.

Cough

advertisement

Honey is an effective remedy for cough. Cough may be caused by congestion forming in the lungs, or irritation from a sore throat. Honey will help coat the back of the throat, soothing the irritation.

Congestion

Congestion may build up in the chest, the back of the throat and in the nasal passages. To help clear congestion, inhale the steam from a cup of hot water, lemon and honey. Slowly inhale through your nose and mouth while cupping your hands around the top of the cup to guide the steam into your nostrils and mouth. Sip the mixture slowly to help reduce mucus in the back of the throat.

Also:

Energy Source: According to USDA, honey contains about 64 calories per tablespoon. Hence honey is also used by many as a source of energy. On the other hand, one tablespoon of sugar will give you about 15 calories. Further the carbohydrates in the honey can be easily converted into glucose by even the most sensitive stomachs. Hence it is very easy to digest honey.

Weight Loss: Though honey has more calories than sugar, honey when consumed with warm water helps in digesting the fat stored in your body. Similarly honey and lemon juice help in reducing weight.

Improving Athletic Performance: Recent research has shown that honey is an excellent ergogenic aid and helps in boosting the performance of athletes. Honey facilitates in maintaining blood sugar levels, muscle recuperation and glycogen restoration after a workout.

Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Honey contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. The type of vitamins and minerals and their quantity depends on the type of flowers used for apiculture. Commonly, honey contains Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron. Check for the vitamin and mineral content in sugar from any source, you will find it to be either nil or miniscule.

Antioxidants: Honey contains nutraceuticals, which are effective in removing free radicals from our body. As a result, our body immunity is improved.

And I'm sure if you know me, you know the reason I added Coconut Oil, but if not, you need to go to my Pinterest page & click on about a bazillion links to the many UNBELIEVABLE health benefits Coconut Oil can provide your body.

That's it. Warm it up, enjoy & have a great day!!! :)

Coconut Jasmine Rice with Black Beans

Ingredients

1 Tbls Coconut Oil (extra virgin unrefined)
1 small Shallot, minced
1 cup uncooked Jasmine rice
3/4 cup Coconut milk
1 & 1/2 cups water
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed & drained

Directions

Melt the Coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the shallot, and cook until the shallot has softened and turned translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir until coated with the oil. Pour in the Coconut milk and Water; season with Nutmeg. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Stir in the black beans, and cook a few minutes until hot.

So easy & SO YUMMY!!!! 

Coconut Oil DIY Deodorant

Recently, I have been thinking more & more about all the chemicals I put in & ON my body.

One of the biggest offenders that I used daily was deodorant. I'd slather it all over my pits with absolute obliviousness as to what it was, what it contained, or what kind of damage all the ingredients were doing to my system.  Oh, I heard all the talk over the years about how the ingredients were bad for you, and how using an "all natural" substitute was the way to go. I HAD, years & years ago, tried Tom's deodorant & remember that I was less than thrilled with it...and for how much it cost, that really made me angry & I gave up "going natural" (deodorant-wise) immediately. But even hearing about the possible cancer/Alzheimer's causing ingredients, I didn't stop using it. I don't really think it crossed my mind to stop! Seriously. I never thought twice.

BUT...Into my life came COCONUT OIL.

Coconut oil, oh coconut oil...how I love thee.

I have been on an all out BINGE with coconut oil lately. I have started CARING again. About my body, about what I put in it, on it, how I can make it better without it costing a fortune, how age old remedies and cures have been just sitting there WAITING for people to "discover" them again......

I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT!!!

But seriously, I could go on & on about coconut oil & bore you to tears, but I won't. If you have an interest in making your body function better NATURALLY...Google coconut oil...you will thank me later.

Anyway...On to what I was posting.

LEMON~LAVENDER~TEA TREE COCONUT OIL DEODORANT

Here's the recipe~~~

Ingredients:
2/3 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder
4 Tbls Cornstarch
10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Mix baking soda, cornstarch, and arrowroot powder in a bowl.
Add coconut oil and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend into the dry ingredients. (I started with a pastry cutter, but switched to a fork)
 Add  essential oil

It didn't seem like I was getting the desired consistency with a fork, so I switched to mixing it by hand. I think adding my body temperature was what it needed to finally start to all come together. I continued to knead until it was where I wanted & felt well blended. Be careful not too get it too warm, the coconut oil will start to get too runny.

Then, all I did was transfer my mixture to a re-purposed 3 wick candle jar, and smoothed out the top to make it look all pretty.

I like the idea of being able to scoop it out myself & not have to worry about trying to shove it all in a used deodorant container, but you can do what you like. It also gave me joy to reuse one of the bazillion empty glass containers I have! :)

The recipe in the above mixture is doubled. I figured as long as I was doing it, I would fill up the jar.

Be aware that this, being a coconut oil based product, will have a shelf life, but I don't think it should be too much of a concern if you limit it to a doubled or tripled recipe only.

To use, just scoop out a bit & rub it in. Word of warning though, this is most certainly NOT "invisible". Being a person who wears only black or dark colors, it can be an issue, but it rubs off quite a bit easier than commercial deodorants when you wet a wash cloth & rub it off your clothes. It comes right off in the wash too, and leaves no residue on any fabric I've worn, so far. But I suppose you'd want to be careful with silk, because of the oils. I also like to keep a small container with me just in case I feel like I am "gettin' stanky"...I am a hairdresser, so I have my pits near people's faces all day when I wash their hair & I would be MORTIFIED to think I was "givin' off the STANK"...:)

Also you can switch up the essential oils any way you like.
  

 ***Remember some essential oils can irritate your skin, so read up on the one you choose, don't just go by smell***

I used  Tea Tree for it's antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral properties...fun fact...Tea Tree oil, unlike the antibacterial commercial products available, will not cause bacteria to mutate and become a resistant strain of bacteria. I don't particularly LOVE the smell of Tea Tree though, and it has that cool/warm effect on the skin, so that's why I used it sparingly. You might want to do the same if you have overly sensitive skin.

I used Lavender mostly because of its calming/soothing aroma, but it also has antibacterial properties...fun fact...Lavender oil works to calm a variety of nervous disorders including excitability, nervous tension, panic, and hysteria. In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, people scattered lavender over the stone floors of castles for use as a disinfectant and deodorant. Use of lavender was highly revered during the Great Plague of London in the 17th century. Individuals wore bunches of lavender on each wrist to protect themselves from the Black Death. In addition, glove makers scented their leather with lavender oil to ward off the disease. Thieves who made a living stealing from the graves and the homes of Plague victims concocted a wash known as "Four Thieves Vinegar," which contained lavender, to cleanse and protect themselves after a night's work. Today, we know the disease was transmitted by fleas, so the use of lavender, which is known to repel these insects, could very well have saved lives and prevented further spread of the plague.

And I used Lemon for its antimicrobial & antibacterial properties & for its refreshing and invigorating smell...fun fact...Lemon oil is effective in killing bacteria known to cause stomach and duodenum (the beginning of the intestines) problems in humans. And like Tea Tree oil, Lemon oil does not create bacterial resistance over time. Also, I read...In a collaborative effort, researchers from various Universities and Research Centers showed that citrus essential oils, including lemon, had a positive effect on improving depression and the immune system. In their words, “The treatment with citrus fragrance normalized neuroendocrine hormone levels and immune function and was rather more effective than antidepressants."

I also realize I am still putting some chemicals in my system, since the products I used are not Organic...I will more than likely go all Organic in the near future, but for now, at least this is MUCH better than commercial deodorants.

So, I hope you give this deodorant a try. Let me know how you like it, if you do!

 **********UPDATE***********

Since making this, I have changed it up a bit. I felt it was not exactly how I wanted it, so I added more coconut oil, & heated it in the microwave right in this container, then after it had cooled down a bit I added a CONSIDERABLE amount more essential oils.
I would say about 40 more drops of Lavender
20 more Lemon
and a whopping 60 of grapefruit!!!
I know it sounds like a lot, but I added more coconut & it SERIOUSLY was not feeling strong enough for me.
Next time, I will omit the Tea Tree completely & only use citrus & lavender. I think it was just me, but the tea tree itself smelled like B.O.!!! :(
Play around with your own combinations, I guess.
I read an article about the amount of baking soda not being great either. I myself have felt only slightly irritated by it, but you may want to switch the amounts of baking soda & cornstarch or just add baking soda very sparingly at first. Only do a single batch at a time to see how it reacts with your skin so as to not waste product.
That's why I didn't scrap this completely & start over, I used quite a bit of ingredients. But definitely next time I will use more oils & less baking soda, cornstarch, & arrowroot.
I think I will prefer it to be more "lotion-y" instead of dry.

I think next time, I will make a completely new recipe, knowing what I know now....So, I guess watch for that :)

Coconut Oil Toothpaste

OK, OK, yes....I am, at present, OBSESSED with coconut oil!

I have been "Oil Pulling" for about a week now, and I feel like it is REALLY starting to make a difference in how my teeth, gums & whole mouth in general, feel. They are A LOT less sensitive and just feel CLEANER.

CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OIL PULLING


I have also been using this as a toothpaste after I "pull". I couldn't see the logic in putting the chemical/ sugar laden crap back in my mouth after I had just made it such a clean, germ free, environment.

So here's my recipe

3 Tbls Organic, Extra Virgin, Unrefined, Coconut Oil

3 Tbls Baking Soda

1 tsp Peppermint Essential Oil

Mix all 3 with a fork, in any container you like.

And that is it.

Brush like normal. Remembering to brush your tongue, especially.

If you really can't stand it not having a sugary taste, you could add a packet of Stevia powder, or a drop or two of Stevia  liquid. I just feel like I don't want anything like that on my nice, clean, teeth, but it is perfectly fine to add.

I also put a little into a smaller container to carry in my purse. It is an awesome way to freshen your mouth during the day. Just dip your CLEAN finger in & rub it around on your tongue & teeth, Then spit it out & rinse with water. Instant breath mint with no chemicals or added sugar :)


Trust me...MORE COCONUT OIL POSTS COMING SOON....:)

Three Berry Cobbler

A very simple recipie for a yummy dessert.

Use about 2 cups of whatever berries you like. I had  a mix of  frozen blueberries, blackberries & raspberries on hand. I put them in a colander & rinsed them for a bit with some warm water so they didn't give off to much water during baking, set aside & allow to drain.

Preheat oven to 350

Butter (generously) a 9x13 pan

MIX
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 cups milk
1 stick melted butter

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, pour into buttered pan, sprinkle berries on top

Then sprinkle about 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar over the top.

Bake for 1 hour.

Let stand for a bit, then either eat plain, top with whipped cream, ice cream or whatever you like.

Enjoy :)

Macaroni and Cheese

This turned out to be my yummiest mac & cheese ever. I have experimented with different techniques over the years, and I think I finally have it down :)

This recipe is meant to be a eat 1, freeze 2, type recipe. I am all about making big amounts, so that you can freeze for later use. It's almost easier to make a big batch than a small one to me, but if it seems overwhelming to you, or you just don't want that much, then you can scale it down.

The steps and ingredients may sound a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it couldn't be easier.

You'll need 3lbs of elbow macaroni. Prepare according to directions leaving it a bit al dente, rinse, set aside to cool.


You should have MANY different types of cheeses for this recipe. It is completely up to you & your tastes as to what kind. I will just explain what is in my picture & why I used them.

4 cups Sharp White Cheddar~~~This is my favorite cheese. I love its sharp bite. It jazzes up an otherwise boring dish in my opinion.
1/2 cup Mozzarella~~~ I don't use too much of this because I don't feel it has much taste on it's own, I just want it for the "gooey:" factor
2 cups Cheddar Jack~~Just more layers of flavor & this particular brand was shredded very finely for easy melting.
4 cups Three Cheese Sharp Cheddar blend~~~Cheddar is the best cheese for mac & cheese in my opinion, and I saw this blend & thought a bunch of different state's cheeses would be fun.
1 cup Mild Yellow Cheddar~~~Using up what was in my fridge!! :)

How I decide a lot of my weekend projects is by my weekly grocery store sale flyer. This week they had all these cheeses on sale for $1.99 a bag. AND pasta was on sale too. I put 2 & 2 together & this is the result :)

First step is making the Béchamel sauce. This is the base to your cheese sauce.

Warm 3 cups of whole milk first. NOT boiling! Just warmed a bit.

Then in a large pot, melt 4 Tbls of butter with 4 Tbls of flour. Careful not to burn or make this too brown. You do want it a bit brown though, so just go slowly.

Then add warmed milk and 1 Tbls..YES..TABLESPOON of ground nutmeg. This may seem like a lot, but I am a firm believer that any cream sauce, cheese sauce, or cheese filling is better with nutmeg. And since this is a quite large batch, it is just enough.

Once the nutmeg has mixed in, add the cheeses. I did not add ALL the bags at once. Just put in a few at a time. This is also the time where you have to use your own judgement. I added at least 2 more cups of milk while melting all the cheeses. You want this sauce thick & cheesy, but you also need it to be milky/runny enough to keep your pasta moist throughout cooking, and reheating.

So, after your sauce is done, start assembling your different pans. I bought 2 disposable casserole pans from the store (with plastic lids) for the 2 I am freezing. And the one for dinner tonight is in my big roasting pan. Fill the two freezer ones with the plain macaroni first, then put the rest in your pan for that night. THEN start poring in cheese sauce. Obviously, you want enough for all 3 pans, so in the mixing process, just make sure all the pasta is mixed with cheese evenly, then smooth all of them down and pour more sauce over the top & DO NOT mix it into the pasta. Just stay aware during this process that you need to distribute the sauce to all 3 pans. You can add more to each one, so just take it slow & mix evenly. This will ensure the pasta stays moist & it will mix nicely with the crumb top as it bakes.

This picture is missing it's 4 sticks of butter, but this is what you will need for the breadcrumb topping.

Melt 4 sticks of butter, set aside to cool a little. Then in a large bowl mix 1 1/2 cups of Parmesan (bagged  is best, but the dry plastic bottled one will do in a pinch..I also prefer the bagged over fresh too as it is a certain consistency & dryness that works well) cheese with 1 15 oz container of plain bread crumbs. Pour in the butter & mix, mix, mix. It will be crumbly.

Add to all three pans evenly with your fingers, making sure to get all the way to the edges.

I don't add any other spices as in salt or pepper, because the cheese & butter will have enough saltiness. I leave that up to every ones personal taste later. You can always add, but you can never take back too much salt!!

At this point I put the lids on the two to freeze, labeled them & set them aside to cool for a bit before I put them in the freezer. Remember cooking time will vary if you put them in to cook frozen, as opposed to the one you cook right away. I would cook for maybe 45 minutes to an hour depending on if it is frozen solid still, or you thawed it a little...Just be aware of drying it out! All the ingredients are cooked, you are just warming it all back up & browning the top at this point.

Then you bake the one you are having that day at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour. After a 1/2  hour, broil the top until golden brown & bubbly. You may need to cook longer if you don't bake it right away when all the cheese is still hot.

Then, here it is, in all it's golden brown, buttery, cheesy, goodness.....

Mmmmmmmmm

I also like to put Frank's hot sauce on mine when I eat it, but you can do whatever your little heart desires :)

Now you have a yummy dinner (plus leftovers), and the ease of also having 2 dinners (and leftovers) for future meals when you want homemade, but are too busy!

Enjoy :)